PAYE Contributions

Julian Lewis Excerpts

Wednesday 8th September 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

The hon. Gentleman makes a good point. To be fair, the NPS system brings the information together, but unfortunately, that has highlighted more difficult cases. In fact, as we move forward with the NPS system and—potentially—further reforms, HMRC should have more accurate information and so be able accurately to assess the level of tax due.

[Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)]

I am tempted to ask whether the person who designed the computer system for HMRC is the same as the person who designed the computer system for claiming MPs’ expenses, but I shall resist, and instead ask the Minister this: why has he alighted on the period of only three years for people to make payments? Is it not the case that people on very low incomes may need longer if they are hit with particularly large bills?

[Mr Gauke]

The period of three years is one in which we have confidence that HMRC will be able to address the matter administratively. Beyond that, certain technical matters would need to be thought through. However, we are confident that HMRC is capable of addressing the matter over three years.

Equitable Life

Julian Lewis Excerpts

Thursday 22nd July 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Hoban]

I am conscious that this is a very complex business. There are 1.5 million policyholders with 2 million policies and 30 million transactions. The policies are not straightforward and the data are old and difficult to access. I want to do as much as I can to make the process as quick as possible, and my hon. Friend has my commitment that I will do everything that I can to ensure that the date is speeded up.

[Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)]

Dozens of my constituents affected by the scandal, and a cousin who lives abroad, were favourably impressed by what was said in opposition creditably by Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs. Will my hon. Friend accept that the experience of root canal surgery by the right hon. Member for Rotherham (Mr MacShane) will be as nothing compared with what those MPs will suffer if we fail to live up to our promises? I welcome the speed with which my hon. Friend is taking action, but the content of that action must live up to the speed.

Oral Answers to Questions

Julian Lewis Excerpts

Tuesday 8th June 2010 Commons Chamber

[Mr Gauke]

The Government will make a decision on all matters considering the value for money and considering the very difficult financial circumstances that we find ourselves in, bequeathed by the previous Government.

[Dr Julian Lewis (New Forest East) (Con)]

7. What steps his Department is taking in respect of payment of compensation to Equitable Life policyholders.

[John Howell (Henley) (Con)]

9. What steps his Department is taking in respect of payment of compensation to Equitable Life policyholders.

[The Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury (Mr David Gauke)]

The coalition Government have pledged to make fair and transparent payment to Equitable Life policyholders, through an independently designed payment scheme, for their relative loss as a result of regulatory failure. The Queen’s Speech announced the Government’s intention to introduce a Bill in the first Session of Parliament to enable payments to be made to Equitable Life policyholders. On the same day, the Government also announced that an independent commission would be established to design the payment scheme. These steps are a strong sign of the Government’s commitment to deliver on their pledge.

[Dr Lewis]

More than 60 of my constituents in New Forest East, and indeed even one of my own relatives, will be delighted to know that the Government intend to implement the recommendations of the ombudsman. Can he tell me when this is going to happen—and can he guarantee that the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will not be put in charge of making the payments?

[Mr Gauke]

I thank my hon. Friend for his question. The intention is that Sir John Chadwick’s report will reach its conclusion in mid-July; at the same time the independent commission will be established. We are making progress in this area—in contrast, I am afraid, to the dither and delay of our predecessors.